Located in small - town Cochise , Ariz. ,RichCrest Farmsis a beautiful oasis in the desert with an intangibly good vibration . Owner Jim Dumas likes to do thing but — much like farming was before the advent of chemicals . “ We ’re more organic than Certified Organic farms , ” he tell .
He does n’t apply mechanised tools to cultivate the demesne , and he allows buffer zone for wildlife to border the property . Because of the farm ’s lushness , a great diversity of wench aliveness block to use the farm as a water source .
“ There has really been a variety in the way organic farming is done , ” Dumas tell . “ Back in the seventy , it was about stewardship of the land , making the nation better than it was . Now , organic farming is more health - oriented . ”
A bear - and - bred Southern Arizonan , Dumas is no alien to agriculture . His female parent was an avid gardener , and his father worked at a pipe and steel job that catered to local farm and ranches . Farming , with the public security of mind it provides , was a raw fit for him .
Growing Organic
Despite only having sporadic part - fourth dimension worker to aid on the farm over the years , Dumas has grow RichCrest considerably . Once a field of operations of less than 2 Acre , he now owns 18 Akka of realm with 6 land in production . He deal these growing tips for visitors and Fannie Merritt Farmer likewise :
Diamond In The Rough
Over the years , guests have faithfully turn back to this baseball diamond - in - the - rough farm after their first stay . overnighter can participate in harvest home and planting parties to aid get the fields ready . Volunteers always take away some of the harvest or are run onsite . An annual garlic planting event in October allows visitors to spend the day on the farm , working side by side with farmers . client learn proper planting technique , fear of crops and harvesting tips .
Other farm highlighting let in hayrides , farm spell and the chance to take onsite sustainable - living course taught by local experts . Participants learn about a wide range of topics : horticulture , water harvesting , animal farming , canning , solar and alternate energy , and more .
The RichCrest Country Store features homemade jams , jellies , salsa , relish , vinaigrette , grape seed rock oil and other local products uncommitted for purchase . With its eye on a bright future , RichCrest is easy building its infrastructure . local have dedicated time and talent to the community adobe building / artistry project that provides body of work facilities for unpaid worker .
“ Our guest are always surprised by how much work farming really is , ” Dumas says Jim . Most guests and visitant leave with a new appreciation for nutrient cultivation .
